Inside look: Showground Knight prepares to ride into county show 27 Apr
The Knight, named 'Show us what you've got', will take the spotlight at the Epic Centre during the Lincolnshire Show on 21 and 22 June, which attracts around 60,000 visitors each year, before being returned to her trail position in City Square in Lincoln.
As a county championing some prominent females throughout the decades, from Margaret Thatcher and Sheridan Smith to Lincoln Paralympians Jade Etherington and Sophie Wells, Mel designed the Knight as a female rider to make sure it stands out from the crowd.
Mel said: "My aim for the Lincolnshire Showground Knight was to show off all that the region has to offer, highlighting the significant role the Showground plays in entertaining and educations locals as well as attracting visitors from further afield.
"It was therefore really important to add lots of detail into the design, representing everything from live concerts to farming shows - you need to look really closely to spot everything.
"I decided to make two out of my three Knights female, and in particular the Showground Knight to ensure it stood out from the crowd. It also allowed me to have more fun with the design, incorporating blond plaited hair and rosy pink cheeks to show off the healthy glow that you get from the great Lincolnshire outdoors!"
The Lincolnshire Showground's Knight was painted using acrylics and black markers to achieve its bold, graphic and colourful look.
Mel added: "The bright colours represent the Lincolnshire flag while the use of the blue, yellow, and particularly green, express the rural nature of the Showground."
Also launching at the Show, as part of the wider Knights' Trail, is the Education Programme, led by The EBP. The trail consists of more than 40 half-sized Knights (measuring one metre high) which have been designed by local children from 42 different primary, secondary and special schools. The education Knights will be displayed across the Show before moving to indoor locations throughout the city centre until the start of September when they are returned to the schools.
Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground, said: "Just like Mel's female Knight, we have so many talented female professionals who call Lincolnshire home. We're also looking forward to welcoming many of them to our Ladies that Lunch event, which is new for this year's Show too.
"We love Mel's design which comes alive with the great outdoors and the Show.
"Many people may not realise but as well as showcasing all that the Showground has to offer, our Knight gives a glimpse into some of the highlights that will be featured at this year's Lincolnshire Show.
"We cannot wait to unveil our Knight army at the Show for visitors on 21 and 22 June, it has been great working with all the different partners involved and we look forward to celebrating what really will be a unique year showcasing Lincolnshire at its best."
Advanced tickets to the Lincolnshire Show are priced at £19 for adults, £6 for children and under-fives go free. Family tickets, admitting two adults and up to three children, are priced at £40. Car parking is free on both days.
Matt Corrigan, chief executive of Lincoln Business Improvement Group, said: "The Lincolnshire Show is playing an important part in the programme for the Lincoln Knights' Trail by hosting the launch of the Education Programme. A new addition for the 2017 trail will be the 40 half-sized Knights, and Lincoln BIG is particularly pleased that EBP has involved so many schools across our county.
"The artist, Mel Langton, has done an excellent job of reflecting the role the Showground has in attracting and entertaining visitors, but also emphasising the county's charm."
The new Ladies that Lunch package will be hosted in the Showground's exclusive Hospitality Marquee and is open to all visitors for bookings. For more information on tickets, exhibiting, sponsorship opportunities, membership or hospitality packages, please click here.
For more information on Mel Langton please visit www.mellangton.com
